To What Extent Does Value Consensus Exist in Modern Industrial Societies?

Value consensus, the shared agreement on norms and values that bind a society, is a concept widely debated in sociology. While some argue that modern industrial societies, despite their complexities, still maintain a significant degree of value consensus, others contend that societal divisions and changing values paint a different picture. This essay will explore both sides of this argument, ultimately arguing that while elements of value consensus persist, the extent to which they exist is increasingly challenged in contemporary times.

Arguments for Value Consensus

Functionalist sociologists like Emile Durkheim argue that social institutions, such as education and family, play a crucial role in transmitting shared values. They posit that these institutions act as agents of socialisation, instilling in individuals a common moral code and sense of belonging. For instance, the hidden curriculum in schools, as highlighted by Bowles and Gintis (Schooling in Capitalist America, 1976), often implicitly teaches values like obedience and respect for authority, contributing to the smooth functioning of the capitalist system.

Furthermore, the media, often dubbed the ‘new religion’ by sociologists like George Gerbner, plays a significant role in reinforcing dominant values. Through selective portrayal and agenda-setting, the media can shape public opinion and foster a sense of shared national identity, contributing to value consensus.

Additionally, formal mechanisms of social control, such as the legal system, serve to maintain order and punish those who deviate from established norms. The existence of these mechanisms suggests an underlying agreement on acceptable behaviour, hinting at value consensus.

Challenges to Value Consensus

However, critics argue that the concept of value consensus presents an overly harmonious view of society. Marxist theorists, for example, contend that capitalist societies are inherently divided along class lines, with the ruling class imposing its ideology on the proletariat. This false consciousness, as termed by Marx, masks the true nature of exploitation, leading to a superficial rather than genuine value consensus.

Moreover, the rise of multiculturalism and globalization has led to increasingly diverse societies. This diversity brings with it a plurality of values and beliefs, often leading to clashes and challenges to any singular notion of value consensus. The increasing acceptance of same-sex marriage in some societies, while facing resistance in others, exemplifies the evolving and often conflicting values in the modern world.

Furthermore, the emergence of subcultures, with their distinct norms and values, further complicates the notion of a universal value consensus. These groups often reject mainstream values, highlighting the fragmentation and fluidity of values within a single society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while some degree of value consensus is essential for the functioning of any society, its extent in modern industrial societies is debatable. While functionalist perspectives emphasize the role of social institutions in fostering shared values, conflict theories, alongside evidence of increasing social and cultural diversity, highlight the limitations of this view. Ultimately, while shared values might provide a framework for social cohesion, the reality of modern societies, marked by complexity and change, reveals a more nuanced picture, where value consensus exists alongside diversity, conflict, and evolving norms.